Driver Charged in Fiery Bridge Crash in Connecticut Passes Away from Cancer

NEW LONDON, Conn.—A man from Connecticut who was charged in connection with a devastating crash that resulted in a truck driver’s death and the closure of a major highway bridge has passed away due to cancer.

Reginald Collins, 60, died on December 1, leading to the dismissal of the negligent homicide and other charges he was facing in New London Superior Court earlier this month, according to The Day.

Collins’ attorney described the dismissal as “somewhat bittersweet” for his family.

“While they were relieved the charges were dropped, they would have preferred Reginald to be there to hear the news himself,” Anthony Basilica remarked in an email on Friday. “Personally, I was surprised he was ever charged at all.”

State police reported that Collins, a resident of New London, was responsible for an April 2023 incident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.

This bridge, the largest for both passenger and truck traffic in the state, connects New London and Groton along Interstate 95, a vital route between New York and Boston.

According to police, Collins had stopped in the right lane of the highway when a tire on his vehicle blew out.

This resulted in a fuel delivery truck crashing into Collins’ car, flipping over, and igniting, spilling approximately 2,200 gallons (about 8,340 liters) of home heating oil, some of which contaminated the river.

The truck driver, aged 42, lost his life in the incident, while Collins and his passenger were rescued by passersby.

Authorities stated that Collins created a “traffic hazard” by neglecting to turn on his vehicle’s hazard lights and not pulling over onto the shoulder.

However, Collins contended that he was unable to pull over as his vehicle was inoperable.

“Dash cam footage from a passing motorist indicated that Mr. Collins’ vehicle remained stationary for over 20 seconds. Other motorists had no trouble navigating around him,” Basilica noted on Friday. “Ultimately, this was a tragic event that could have been prevented.”

Collins had pleaded not guilty to charges including negligent homicide with a vehicle, improper parking, failure to register his vehicle, and operating a vehicle without valid insurance.